Postdoctoral Scholar in Computational Optoelectronics and Applied Mathematics

The Pennsylvania State University; Struble (PA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lakhtakia research team at The Pennsylvania State University seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar to advance computational optoelectronics and numerical modeling for integrated energy microgenerators with compound semiconductors. You will work under Prof.

Akhlesh Lakhtakia, collaborating with experts in mathematics and engineering across Penn State and partner institutions. Responsibilities include developing high-order numerical methods, modeling material and illumination effects, and producing

Qualifications

• Ph.D. by appointment in applied mathematics, computational mathematics, electrical engineering, engineering science, physics, computational science, or a closely related field.
• Experience with high-order numerical methods for semiconductor drift-diffusion and Maxwell systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team and communicate results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Implement and improve high-order finite-element and discontinuous-Galerkin software in Python and related environments with robust solvers and validation.
• Investigate effects of grain boundaries, defects, interfaces, material properties, and illumination on carrier transport and device performance.
• Perform mathematical analysis and optimization of bandgap profiles, layer thicknesses, geometry, and tandem configurations using gradient-based and derivative-free methods.
• Collaborate with faculty and students; prepare manuscripts, conference talks, technical docs, and reusable research software.
• Develop and document two- and three-dimensional numerical models for coupled optical and electronic processes in IEMGs, including drift-diffusion and Maxwell equations.

Skills

Numerical simulation

Python programming

HPC

Collaborative research

Technical writing

Education

Ph.D. in a related field

Tools

Python

Finite-element methods

Discontinuous-Galerkin

Drift-diffusion modeling

Maxwell equations

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Lakhtakia research team in the College of Engineering (Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics) at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Scholar to join a collaborative research program in computational optoelectronics, mathematical modeling, and numerical simulation of integrated energy microgenerators (IEMGs) containing compound semiconductors.

The postdoctoral scholar will work under the direction of Prof. Akhlesh Lakhtakia in cooperation with Prof. Anna Mazzucato (Mathematics at Penn State), Prof. Peter B. Monk (Mathematics at University of Delaware), and a postdoctoral scholar at University of Delaware.

The position will involve developing and analyzing two- and three-dimensional optical and electronic models; implementing high-order numerical methods for semiconductor drift-diffusion and Maxwell systems; modeling grain boundaries, defects, and interfaces; and optimizing material, geometric, and illumination-dependent designs for efficient IEMGs.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

Qualified individuals will hold a Ph.D. by the time of appointment in applied mathematics, computational mathematics, electrical engineering, engineering science, physics, computational science, or a closely related field.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Implement and improve high-order finite-element and discontinuous-Galerkin software in Python and related scientific-computing environments, including robust solvers, error assessment, and computational validation.
• Investigate the effects of grain boundaries, defects, interfaces, material properties, and illumination conditions on carrier transport, recombination, and device performance.
• Perform mathematical analysis and computational optimization of bandgap profiles, layer thicknesses, device geometry, and tandem IEMG configurations using gradient-based and derivative-free methods.
• Collaborate with the faculty investigators and graduate students; prepare manuscripts, conference presentations, technical documentation, and research software for dissemination.
• Develop, analyze, verify, and document two- and three-dimensional numerical models for coupled optical and electronic processes in IEMGs, including semiconductor drift-diffusion and Maxwell equations.

IT IS PREFERRED THAT THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS:

• Demonstrated experience in numerical analysis, scientific computing, partial differential equations, finite-element or discontinuous-Galerkin methods, and computational modeling.
• Experience with semiconductor models, drift-diffusion systems, Maxwell equations, optoelectronics, photovoltaics, optimization, or machine learning is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in Python and familiarity with version control and high-performance computing are preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team; demonstrated initiative, organization, problem-solving ability, and commitment to reproducible research.

RECORD OF PUBLICATIONS, HISTORICAL WORK, ETC.:

A record of peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, dissertations, software, or other scholarly work demonstrating research capability in a relevant area.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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